MANning the Homefront-Military Style

Male “significant others,” referred to as “MANspouses” within our community, represent the male spouses of our nations service members; fortifying and encouraging each other as role models, fathers, and spouses.

We look to connect male military spouses(or MANspouses as we like to call ourselves) with one another both virtually and in person. Currently Fort Riley, KS is home to the only chapter of MANning the Homefront that meets in person but we hope others will join us.

If you want more information about creating a MANning the Homefront chapter at your installation, please email Wayne Perry at MANningTheHomefront@hotmail.com.

Values:
Friendship- We believe that military service puts significant pressure and stress on individuals and families. Further, we have found that men are encouraged, strengthened, and refreshed by spending time with other men and engaging in fun activities. In turn, when men are encouraged, families do better. We will encourage and enable healthy friendships, informal mentorship, and when appropriate, provide knowledge of and access to external resources that may help get a member and his family through a challenging time.

Fun- We will create a fun, friendly and engaging environment through a wide range of activities that men will find interesting.

Respect- We will be mindful of our surroundings, both in public and on the internet, by striving to be viewed as men of integrity and high moral character who treat other people with respect.

Flexibility- We will do our part to serve and support our country, community and the needs of other significant others and our own by remaining flexible and accommodating to as many MANspouses as possible.

Commitment- MANspouses share a common bond in our desire to be leaders by example in our community. We believe that we are a direct reflection of our significant others service and conduct ourselves in an appropriate manner at all times.

Goals (2012):

1. Expand the organization’s membership to reach all husbands and significant others of service members, including those presently on active duty, in the National Guard, Reserves, retirees, and DA civilians.

Objective 1: Increase total membership to 100 through advertising and marketing efforts. Also requires research to determine highest concentration of MANspouses. Specifically identifying installations that would have the highest number of service members with MANspouses so efforts can be targeted to achieve the highest level of outreach and support for MANspouses.

Objective 2: MANning the Homefront will facilitate the growth of the MANspouse community with representatives located in at least 15 installations DOD wide. Additionally MANning the Homefront will help promote monthly MANspouse dinners with the goal of 15 active groups meeting this year.

2. Increase the organization’s relevance to MANspouses through conducting activities and programs that improve the quality of their personal and family lives.

Objective 1: In addition to monthly MANly dinners, MANning the Homefront will coordinate efforts to offer a broad range of monthly activities with the goal of actively engaging the interests of MANspouses and creating a close network of support for one another.

3. Seek mutually beneficial partnerships and collaborative efforts with other military service organizations in our community to expand our service to MANspouses and eliminate wasted or duplicative efforts.

Objective 1: Seek partnership from military friendly organizations who believe in supporting the military and its family.